MPFMen Past Fifty

Prostate & Bladder

9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Prostate

A short appointment goes further with the right questions. Bring this list to your next visit.

By the Men Past Fifty editors Updated October 14, 2026

A man writing a short list at his kitchen table before a doctor visit

Appointments are short, and it is easy to walk out remembering the question you meant to ask. If anything about your bathroom habits has changed, or you are simply at the age where the prostate comes up, these questions help you cover the ground in one visit.

Before the visit

Spend three days writing down what you drink and when, how often you go during the day and night, and anything you notice about the stream. Bring a list of every medication and over-the-counter product you take, including cold remedies and sleep aids, since some of them affect the bladder.

The questions

  1. Are my symptoms typical for my age, or worth looking into? Your doctor can tell you whether what you describe fits ordinary age-related change.
  2. Could any of my medications be playing a part? Diuretics, some antihistamines and certain antidepressants can affect urination.
  3. Should we rule out other causes? Blood sugar, kidney function, heart health and sleep apnea can all affect night-time urination.
  4. Do I need a urine test or blood test? A simple urine test can check for infection or blood.
  5. Should I have a prostate exam? Ask what it would show and whether it is useful in your case.
  6. What do you think about PSA testing for me? PSA screening is a personal decision with benefits and downsides. Ask how your age, family history and health affect the balance.
  7. What can I change at home first? Fluid timing, caffeine, alcohol and exercise are common starting points.
  8. If habits aren't enough, what are the next options? Ask about the range, not just one route.
  9. Which symptoms should make me call you right away? Know your red flags in advance.

Family history matters. If your father or a brother had prostate cancer, especially at a younger age, tell your doctor. It can change when and how often screening is discussed.

After the visit

Write down what you agreed: any tests, any changes to try, and when to follow up. If you start a new habit, such as moving your fluids earlier, give it two or three weeks before judging whether it helped, and keep your diary going so you can compare.

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